What Is A Pontic In Dentistry?


Dental Forum, Online Dental Education Case Details Soft tissue
Dental Forum, Online Dental Education Case Details Soft tissue from forum.dentalxp.com

Introduction

When it comes to dental health, there are many terms that may seem unfamiliar to those who are not dentists. One of these terms is "pontic." In dentistry, a pontic refers to a prosthetic tooth or teeth that are used to replace missing teeth. In this article, we will discuss what a pontic is and how it is used in dentistry.

What is a Pontic?

A pontic is an artificial tooth that is used to replace a missing tooth. It is typically used in dental bridges, which are prosthetic devices used to replace one or more missing teeth. The pontic is positioned between two dental crowns, which are placed on the abutment teeth on either side of the gap left by the missing tooth.

Types of Pontics

There are several types of pontics that can be used in dental bridges. The most common types include:

1. Conventional Pontic

A conventional pontic is the most common type of pontic used in dental bridges. It is a solid prosthetic tooth that is suspended between the abutment teeth by a metal framework.

2. Maryland Bridge Pontic

A Maryland bridge pontic is a resin-bonded pontic that is attached to the abutment teeth with metal wings. It is less invasive than a conventional pontic and is often used when the abutment teeth are healthy.

3. Cantilever Pontic

A cantilever pontic is a type of pontic that is supported by only one abutment tooth. It is typically used when there is only one adjacent tooth to support the pontic.

How is a Pontic Installed?

The installation of a pontic typically involves several steps. First, the abutment teeth on either side of the gap left by the missing tooth are prepared for dental crowns. This involves removing a small amount of tooth enamel to make room for the crowns. Next, an impression is taken of the prepared teeth and the gap. This impression is used to create the dental bridge and pontic in a dental laboratory. Once the bridge and pontic are ready, they are cemented onto the abutment teeth.

Benefits of Using a Pontic

There are several benefits to using a pontic to replace a missing tooth. These benefits include:

1. Improved Aesthetics

A pontic can improve the appearance of your smile by filling in the gap left by a missing tooth.

2. Improved Function

A pontic can also improve the function of your teeth by restoring your ability to chew and speak properly.

3. Improved Oral Health

A pontic can also improve your oral health by preventing the remaining teeth from shifting out of place.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a pontic is an artificial tooth that is used to replace a missing tooth in dental bridges. There are several types of pontics and they are typically installed over the course of several dental appointments. Using a pontic to replace a missing tooth can improve the appearance and function of your teeth and prevent oral health problems. If you are missing a tooth, talk to your dentist about whether a pontic is right for you.

Posting Komentar

0 Komentar